Obituary: William E. Stauffacher, Sr.

Feb. 15, 1927 - Dec. 24, 2008

Feb. 15, 1927 - Dec. 24, 2008

January 02, 2009

MISHAWAKA - William E. Stauffacher, Sr., age 81, of Mishawaka, passed away on Wednesday at 6:15 a.m. at the Golden Living Center in Mishawaka, IN. He was a Tool and Die Designer who retired from Mastic Corporation in 1990. He was previously employed with Uniroyal, Bendix, Wheelabrator, Middlebury Molding and Nibco. He was born on February 15, 1927 in Madison, WI to the late Benjamin W. and Agnes (Peters) Stauffacher and has lived in this area since 1947 coming from Madison, WI. On May 15, 1947 in Madison, WI, William married Dolores H. (Geishirt) Stauffacher who preceded in death on June 14, 1995. Survivors include a companion, Elizabeth Kirkendall of Mishawaka, two daughters, Deborah (John) Piller of Mishawaka, Loretta A. Whitlock of South Bend, a son, William E. (Emily) Stauffacher, Jr. of Mishawaka, six grandchildren, Amy Schramski, Jason Stauffacher, John Piller, Jr., Sarah Piller, Justin Stauffacher, and Joel Whitlock. Also surviving are 5 great grandchildren and William's twin sister, Beverly Burzinski of Madison, WI. One sister, Eva Nelson preceded in death. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2009 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. William was a World War II Navy veteran and a former member of St. Jude's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #435, American Legion Post #303 and was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. Contributions in memory of William E. Stauffacher, Sr. may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Drive, South Bend, IN 46637.